It’s that time of year again. Back-to-school season is well underway and that means it is also National Immunization Awareness Month. Vaccines are important for people of all ages, especially students who spend lots of time around their peers. Unity’s “Vaccine ABCs” provide actionable steps to support students in meeting their vaccination needs for a smooth back-to-school transition. Read on to master these three steps and learn more about why vaccines are crucial for maintaining a healthy school environment.
Taking Action with the “Vaccine ABCs”
Staying on top of well-visits and keeping up with immunization requirements for back-to-school can often feel overwhelming. However, by following the “Vaccine ABCs,” you can break down these steps into manageable actions, making it easier to stay organized and proactive about your health. This approach not only helps you keep track of necessary vaccinations but also empowers you to protect yourself and those around you, contributing to a healthier community overall. Ready to take action? Consider the ABCs:
- Aware! National Immunization Awareness Month is a great opportunity to educate yourself and share resources with your peers on the importance of vaccines for all ages. Check out some of our resources to get started:
- Book! Students often need an annual well-visit before heading back to school, or for participating in sports activities. Make sure you book your appointment in advance and ask your healthcare provider about making an immunization plan.
- Check! It’s important to stay up to date on all recommended immunizations, and your school will likely need documentation through vaccination records. Check out Unity’s blog detailing how you can find your vaccination records.
How Vaccines Keep Schools Safe
Schools are environments where large numbers of people interact closely on a daily basis, making them susceptible to disease outbreaks. Vaccines are one of the greatest successes of public health, and are a particularly important tool for keeping students, staff, and the broader community safe and healthy. By ensuring that students and staff are vaccinated against preventable diseases like measles, chickenpox, influenza, and whooping cough, schools can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks and help maintain regular attendance and academic continuity.
When enough people are vaccinated, this creates community immunity by limiting transmission of infection from person to person. Community immunity protects everyone, including those with weakened or failing immune systems as well as people who cannot get vaccinated due to serious allergies. In choosing to get vaccinated you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re also playing a critical role in protecting those around you by minimizing the spread of illness.
As you gear up for another exciting school year, remember that vaccination isn’t just about personal health—it’s also about protecting your entire school community. You have an important role to play in creating a healthier and more resilient learning environment for everyone, so remember Unity’s “Vaccine ABCs” and make sure you’re vaccinated before that school bell rings.
Resources
